All this talk about traffic cops and how to behave when stopped is my
hot button. What follows is a rant; you have been warned.
It is a sad commentary on the state of affairs in the US when those
who have been empowered to "protect and serve" feel inclined to draw
their weapon if I so much as open the door of my car after being
stopped. If a police officer views such a simple procedure as a
life-threatening situation, he is certainly in need of a new line of
work. Similarly, if I need to demonstrate that I am no threat to him
(or her, to be fair) it puts me in a position of submission, another
state I choose not to be put in. It would seem that a few apples have
indeed spoiled the barrel, to the point that even a routine traffic
stop is charged with more tension and drama than it can possibly
merit. I consider myself very fortunate that I haven't been stopped
by the police in many years. I hope my luck continues to hold.
Don't get me started on traffic radar......
--
Phil Barnes
Cortland, NY
peb3@cornell.edu
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